How to Kill Fungus Gnats

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How to Kill Fungus Gnats

Overview

Fungus gnats are small black flies that resemble mosquitoes. They feed on fungus and rotting organic plant matter in potting soil. Though they don't bite or sting humans, they can damage and kill plants. Fungus gnats' offspring are white-bodied larvae with black heads that you may find in your potting soil. Left untreated, the larvae may attack the roots and stems of your plants if there's no fungal food. Left untreated, fungus gnats will spread from plant to plant in your home. Learn how to kill fungus gnats.

Step 1

Step 2

Use a pyrethrin spray or aerosol to knock down and kill fungus gnats. Make sure the label states the product is for "gnats." One example of a product you can use is Garden Safe All Natural Houseplant & Garden Insect Killer (see link in Resources).

Step 3

Use yellow sticky traps to monitor and kill fungus gnats in your home. You can lay these non-toxic traps across potting soil. Or, you can hang them up to catch even more pests besides fungus gnats. One example of a yellow sticky trap can be found at planetnatural.com (see link in Resources). Or, you can make your own (see link in Resources).

Tips and Warnings

Read and follow the directions on products to achieve the best results, and use them safely too.
Fungus gnats breed in moist potting soil. Avoid overwatering your house plants to help keep their populations down. Allow the soil to become dry before you rewater.

Things You'll Need

Insectalite Fly Trap

Pyrethrin spray or aerosol

Yellow sticky traps

References

Pest Products

Who Can Help

18-watt Insectalite Fly Trap

Garden Safe All Natural Houseplant & Garden Insect Killer

Buy Yellow Sticky Traps

Make Your Own Yellow Sticky Traps

Keywords:
kill, fungus, gnats

About this Author

Kayar Sprang has been a professional freelance writer and researcher since 1999. She has had thousands of articles published by clients like Kraft Foods, Woman's Day magazine and Mom Junction. Sprang specializes in subjects she has expertise in, including gardening and home improvement. She lives on, and maintains, a multi-acre farm.